Senior Communications Officer, South and Southeast Asia

Senior Communications Officer, South and Southeast Asia

Gates Foundation

September 2, 2026October 17, 2026SingaporeSingapore
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to live healthy and productive lives, the foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. The foundation is committed to fostering a supportive work environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Communications Officer for South and Southeast Asia is a pivotal role established to support the foundation's growth in the region following the opening of its Singapore office. This position will be crucial during a significant period of regional communications activity, particularly surrounding high-profile engagements planned for 2026-202
  • The officer will primarily focus on external engagements in Singapore and Indonesia, including the launch of the annual Goalkeepers Report, a CEO visit, and Grand Challenges Singapore, among other strategic partnerships and announcements. Additionally, the role will involve developing core messaging, communications assets, and media relationships to enhance the foundation's communications platform in the region, ensuring sustainability beyond the assignment's duration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Communications Officer will be responsible for developing and executing an integrated communications strategy that aligns with the foundation's regional priorities. This includes planning and delivering key engagements such as the Singapore launch of the Goalkeepers Report, CEO visits, and Grand Challenges Singapore. The officer will also be tasked with creating core messaging and communications materials that enhance understanding of the foundation's work across South and Southeast Asia. Building and strengthening relationships with media and external stakeholders will be essential, as will managing the relationship with the foundation's regional communications agency to ensure high-quality execution of media relations and campaigns. The officer will provide strategic communications counsel to regional leadership and partner with various teams to execute integrated communications initiatives. Documentation of strategies, messaging, and engagement plans will also be part of the responsibilities to support the foundation's regional office after the engagement concludes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, public policy, international affairs, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, or reputation management is required, with significant experience in the Southeast Asia region. Applicants should demonstrate a history of building or expanding communications programs and stakeholder engagement strategies in complex markets. A deep understanding of the political, media, and stakeholder landscapes in the region, particularly in Singapore and Indonesia, is preferred. Strong media instincts and a proven track record of building relationships with journalists and influencers are essential, along with experience advising senior leaders on communications strategies that align with organizational objectives. Candidates should also have experience managing external communications agencies and possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as communications, journalism, public affairs, public policy, or international affairs. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of communications in a global context and for effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 10 years of experience in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, or reputation management. This experience should include significant exposure to the Southeast Asia region, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex and evolving markets. Candidates should have a proven track record of building communications programs and engaging with various stakeholders across multiple countries and cultures.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. While fluency in Bahasa Indonesia is not required, it is considered a distinct advantage due to the foundation's extensive engagement in Indonesia and its strategic importance in the region.

Additional Notes:
This is a limited-term position (LTE) until 31 December 2027, based at the foundation’s office in Singapore. Relocation assistance will not be provided. The role requires the ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Singapore without visa sponsorship. The application deadline for this position is 5 September 202
  • The hiring process will include a background check, and accommodations will be provided for candidates with disabilities or medical conditions upon request. The foundation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices.
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